PLAYERS, coaches and staff at Chepstow RFC held a one minute's silence prior to their well-spirited friendly with the Green Howards regiment on Friday, in memory of Daniel Thorne - the club's scrum-half (pictured right) who was killed in a road accident in Cardiff a week earlier. Last week's league fixture with Monmouth RFC was cancelled following the tragic incident and representatives at the club had also considered cancelling Friday's pre-arranged match, but agreed that holding it was what Daniel, who was 25, would have wanted. And it seemed apt therefore that following the emotional tribute the game resulted in a competitive yet sporting draw, ending 24-24.

Brian Wilson said afterwards: "It was good to get the boys playing again." "We were 17-10 down at half time but came back to draw level at 17-17 after the break. The Green Howards then regained their seven-point lead but we managed another converted try near the end to bring it to 24-24." He added: "It was a very fair result and both sides were happy with the game. If it was a competitive game then perhaps we would have chased it more at the end. If either side had won it at the end it wouldn't have mattered in terms of points of a cup place, but neither side deserved to lose."

Wilson added that sales of the match programmes and a post-game raffle had raised more than £200 for various local and national children's charities. The club is also planning a cheese and wine night for players and their wives to further boost their fundraising effort.

Finally, Wilson offered praise for Division One referee Dave Williams. l This Friday night, Chepstow RFC travel to Talywain, returning to Welsh League action in Division Four East.

l The funeral of Daniel Thorne will take place tomorrow, at 1.00pm, at St Mary's Church, prior to interment at Mounton churchyard. Family flowers only.

Donations for JJ Williams Welsh Rugby International Benevolent Association and Severn View Residential Home may be made payable to Philip Blatchly and Son Donations Account and sent to 5 Station Road, Chepstow, Mon, NP16 5PA